Chain link



May 11, 1937. J. BOCCHINO CHAIN LINK V Filed Sept. 14, 1936 Jbseph liocchj/no ATTORNEY Patented May 11, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The invention relates to a link construction and more particularly to a flexible chain link.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a link of this character, wherein the construction thereof is such as to enable the assembling of a chain without requiring the use of tools and such link is adaptable for replacing one that is worn or broken and in such replacement it is not required that a tool or tools be used for such purpose, the links being coupled without pins, rivets", bolts or the like.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a link of this character, wherein the chain employing the same is free for travel in channels or tracks about curves, straight up or down, and is reversible, or will make a complete circle following the channels or tracks and is adaptable for use in conveyors, either of the apron orslat type.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a link of this character which is simple in construction, thoroughly reliable and efficient, strong, durable, serving as a quick detachable coupling in a chain, and inexpensive to manufacture and install.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which discloses the preferred embodiment of the invention, and pointed out in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a pair of links constructed in accordance with the invention and coupled together.

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is a side elevation partly in section of the links, showing the relationship thereof to a chain sprocket.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the links.

Figure 5 is a side elevation partly in section of a modified form of link.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in the drawing.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the link comprises a body I0 having the open center H to provide opposite side and end walls l2 and I3,

respectively. Projected from one side wall I 3 is a hook [4 for its bill l5 directed laterally and inwardly in close relation to the outer face of the side wall l3 adjacent thereto.

The other end wall I3 of the body ID at the top of the latter carries a ledge or shelf l6, while beneath this shelf and integral with the same and the end Wall carrying it is a vertically disposed ear I1 having an opening or hole l8 therein. It is preferable to have the inner faces of the side and end walls I2 and I 3 upwardly tapered, as at I9, and into this center opening H is received the tooth 20 of a sprocket wheel 2| for a chain.

In the building of a chain with the links embodying the present invention, the hooks [4 are engaged in the holes H3 in the ears I! of adjacent link bodies I0. It is obvious that the hook I 4 is disposed in a transverse plane, while the ear I! is in a vertical plane or in a plane at right angles to the plane of the hook and in connecting these link bodies I0 there will be provided a flexible chain serviceable for conveyors, or other purposes.

It is also preferable to have the outer faces of the side walls I 2 of the body I0 taper in the direction of the hook l4 so as to avoid obstructions at the sides of the chain when made up, the ledge or shelf 16 of each link being serviceable as a guard at the top of the chain to avoid accumulation of matter between the respective links of the said chain.

In Figure 5 of the drawing there is shown a slight modification, wherein the body 22 of each link is of solid formation, being devoid of an open center.

What is claimed is:

A link of the kind described wherein assembly thereof with a chain may be had without the use of a tool comprising a substantially block-like body with opposite fiat faces, a perforated ear at one end of the body, a ledge formed on the body and extending over the perforated ear at right angles thereto and in the plane of the fiat faces of said body, the body being provided with a socket for a sprocket wheel tooth, and a hook formed at the other end of the body and having its bill extending laterally and inwardly to be disposed between the opposite fiat faces of said body and crosswise of the same.

JOSEPH BOCCHINO. 

